-What would choosing an Independent Studies plan -- either through a homeschooling charter, a public school, or through Ka-Lo, mean for my life? How available would my parents have to be? How would I know if I'm learning? When and where would I hang out with friends? What if I'm not "motivated" to learn? What about college?

Let us begin by telling you: self-directed learning reconnects people to their natural curiosity and desire to learn, and colleges love self-directed learners.

Ka-Lo Independent Studies is not a traditional program in which teachers give assignments and students go home to complete them. Rather, we support our students in designing learning plans that are truly unique to their interests, styles, and goals. For that reason, every student's plan and schedule is different. Some students design schedules which are recognizable as "school" -- taking classes at a community college or online, and/or studying coursework with a friend or relative or alone. Others immerse themselves in pursuing a passion, finding that life without classwork and homework opens opportunities for advanced studies of interests such as writing, music, sports, or veterinary care. Still others invent a more generalized education plan, including activities such as reading widely and becoming active participants in community groups.

The Independent Studies Program can extend to our High School Diploma program if desired.

If you're new to this learning paradigm, but intrigued, you might want to check out our resources section.

Some of our students come to us virtually ready to graduate -- they may be a few credits short of completion at their previous school, or mature independent learners looking for a way to start college or internships early. In these cases, students may be able to put together a portfolio articulating their strengths and goals fairly quickly. Other students don't arrive with graduation in mind, but come to us for guidance in articulating their current needs and goals. They may choose to spend some time in our Independent Studies Program, or just to spend some focused time creating a portfolio and graduation plan.